Gold Coast cop to fight weapon charge

A senior police officer will fight a criminal charge after allegedly firing shots at a getaway car during a chase on the Gold Coast.

Senior Constable Barry John Wellington made a brief appearance at Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being charged with dangerous conduct with a weapon.

Sen Const Wellington allegedly fired his gun at a car used in an armed robbery last May.

He and his partner, controversial policeman Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley - who has not been charged over the incident - were stood down following the incident.

It has been reported the pair were ordered to pull away from the chase twice, before the shots were fired.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers left the court with Sen Const Wellington and told reporters Sen Const Wellington would be contesting the charge.

It was important police had the right to use their firearms if they felt in jeopardy, Mr Leavers said.

"Unless you've been a police officer, unless your life has truly been threatened, you'll never know what it is like at that particular time," he said.

"I want police to go out there and do their job each and every day, protect the community, but importantly protect themselves - they must go home at the end of the day to their loved ones."

The matter has been adjourned until June 7.